Uganda Cranes’ head coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic summoned a 40 man provisional squad ahead of CHAN 2016 in Rwanda and among the named was JMC striker Richard Wandyaka who was receiving his first national team call up on senior level.
The striker hit headlines when he netted four goals past Soana in an emphatic performance becoming the only player to record a quartet in the league this season and according to him, this paved way for his call up to the National team.
“I started the season on a low note but kept training and working hard. the four goals came as a result of hard work and I believe its why the coach included me in the squad.
“I’m definitely so excited to be part of the team because its my first call up in the senior team and I’m determined to prove to the coach that he made the right decision. For me, it was a dream come true. it shows you that people notice and appreciate your hard work.”
With him on the squad are 10 other strikers including the current league top scorer Robert Sentongo , Veteran striker formerly at Gor Mahia now at local club Lweza FC Geoffrey Sserunkuma, CECAFA final goal scorer Ceaser Okhuti, Reigning league player of the year Farouk Miya, promising star Nelson Ssenkatuuka, Vipers’ Erisa Ssekisambu, URA striker Frank Kalanda, Karim Nduggwa at Villa SC, Experienced Tony Odur and Proline’s Edris Lubega.
The competition is obviously imminent a thing he acknowledges but says he is prepared and ready both physically and mentally to compete for a place in the final squad.
“The squad has obviously very good and experienced strikers but I’m prepared and ready physically and mentally and determined to show the coach what I can bring to the table.
“Not everyone gets this chance. it’s my only chance to show the coach what I can do and im taking it with both hands but the coach always has the final say so it all comes down to discipline and hard work.”
The team on Saturday had their first training at African Bible University in Lubowa and will today go through drills at the fitness gym in Acacia mall but will on Tuesday 5th January start residential training at the FUFA technical center Njeru. Micho will after the expected two build up matches against Gabon and Cameroon name his final 23 man squad
